As we have already informed you the launch of the Maruti Suzuki's premium version of Ertiga MPV -- the XL6 -- is nearing and ahead of that the maker has already begun dispatching the units to its dealerships all across the country. The upcoming XL6 MUV will also be sold via the upmarket NEXA dealerships of Maruti Suzuki. The upmarket version of Ertiga will come with a bunch of changes that will distinguish it from the normal Ertiga and it will be targeted at the customers who want a more premium MPV experience but do not want to spend a lot. Bookings for the new MUV are already open for an amount of Rs. 11,000.
The new photos show that the MPV has a more aggressive stance, something that looks like a cross between SUV and MPV, with leanings toward the latter. Talking of the front side of the new premium Ertiga, the front also carries an aggressive look, courtesy the redesigned grille along with the LED elements in the headlamp. This does lends the MUV a look not unlike the Toyota Innova Crysta, but we'll leave the judgement part for that up to the customers.
Also making a presence at the front is a skid plate with brushed metal finish that lends the premium version of Ertiga ruggedness, at least in the aesthetics department. The bumper on the rear also comes with a faux skid plate, something that surely lends the MUV a more rough and tough character. The tail lamps at the rear have also been redesigned and the there is a black cladding present near the lid of the hatch at the rear.
The biggest change that one will see on the upcoming XL6 MUV will be rejig in the seating department. The current Ertiga sold in the market is a 7-seater car, but in order to keep the cabin spacious and more upmarket the maker will offer six seats on the XL6. These seats will be offered in the 2-2-2 layout and will comprise of captain seats in the middle row. The new XL6 is also supposed to be more premium from inside. Apart from the increased space and the presence of captain seats in the MUV, one can see the usage of premium materials like leather inside the car. The shades of black and plum in leather will definitely add to the appeal of the XL6 in the Indian market. The SmartPlay touchscreen infotainment interface is carried over from the Ertiga, and will offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This will give the cabin an upmarket feel and will also keep the experience inside the XL6 different than that of Ertiga MPV.
The new version of Ertiga is only expected to come with aesthetic and feature changes and the maker is not expected to make any changes in the engine department of the MPV and it can now be confirmed that the maker will only offer the petrol version of the upcoming MUV in the market. This is in line with Maruti's strategy of keeping only petrol vehicles in production in the strict BS-VI emission norms era. The company will equip the upcoming XL6 with a SHVS mild-hybrid 1.5L petrol engine rated to deliver 104 Bhp and 138 Nm. This petrol mill will come paired to a 5 speed manual and 4 speed torque converter automatic gearbox.